The challenges faced by students due to the sudden surge in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (fuel) and the scarcity of the product have reached unprecedented levels, and they threatened to hit the streets in protest if the situation persisted.
The Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) said this on Sunday.
The President of the union, Abbas Ojo, in a statement released on the campus in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and sent to PUNCH Online, urged the Federal Government to immediately address the issues.
Ojo said that the situation is not different in Osun, particularly around the campus environs where he noted bus drivers had increased fares.
He said, “We, as students, can no longer endure the burden imposed by the government’s economic policies.
“Last year, when the decision to remove fuel subsidy became public knowledge, many, including students, harboured doubts about its impact on the nation’s economy. Even those who supported the removal of subsidies were skeptical, given the absence of concrete plans to alleviate the ensuing challenges.
“From soaring electricity tariffs to the skyrocketing cost of living, the adverse effects of the government’s capitalist policies have spared no one.
“Despite these challenges, students persist in their pursuit of education and academic endeavours. However, recent events such as fuel shortages and fluctuating prices have left students stranded both on campus and outside campus,” Ojo stressed, noting the students had been pushed to limits.
The union demanded immediate action from the FG to address the fuel scarcity, curb suspected hoarding of fuel, and regulate prices.
“We also demand that the government should revive the country’s refineries. The government must not test our will by not addressing these demands within the next 48 hours. Failure to do so, we shall hit the streets till the government addresses the fuel crisis which constitutes a threat to our academic pursuit,” he concluded.
